Senior Research Fellow

Job Reference Number: 1687850

Shape the future of AI for nature and society
How can artificial intelligence help protect Australia's biodiversity while ensuring decisions are ethical, inclusive and socially responsible?

Curtin University is seeking an exceptional Senior Research Fellow (Level C) to join a groundbreaking research project investigating how AI-enabled biodiversity assessment and monitoring can embrace justice practices to achieve Australia's conservation goals.

The project aims to develop new frameworks and practical guidance for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in biodiversity monitoring, reporting and conservation decision-making.

About the Role:

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to nationally significant research with global relevance, helping position Australia as a leader in the development of justice-oriented technologies for environmental stewardship.

As Senior Research Fellow, you will provide intellectual leadership across the project, driving high-quality research and strengthening engagement with academic, government, industry and community stakeholders.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and contributing to internationally recognised research outputs.
• Developing innovative, high-impact research programs and funding opportunities.
• Building interdisciplinary collaborations across environmental, social science and technology-focused disciplines.
• Undertaking stakeholder engagement and co-designing activities with project partners.
• Mentoring and supervising higher degree by research students and early career researchers.
• Translating research findings into policy-relevant outputs, guidance materials and practical frameworks.
• Contributing to Curtin's growing reputation for world-class research addressing complex societal challenges.

Who we are looking for (Selection Criteria):

1. A PhD in a relevant discipline such as environmental governance, sustainability, conservation science, public policy, science and technology studies, sociology, geography, information systems or a related field.
2. A strong track record of high-quality research publications and demonstrated research impact.
3. Experience securing, leading or contributing to externally funded research projects.
4. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and sectors.
5. Demonstrated experience supervising research students and contributing to research leadership.
6. Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Environmental governance or conservation policy
• Artificial intelligence and society
• Responsible innovation and technology governance
• Digital technologies for environmental monitoring
• Participatory, co-design or community-engaged research methods
• Ethics, justice and equity in decision-making systems

Role Requirements:

• As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction

Your new Team – School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS):
The School of MLS encompasses 165 academic, research and professional staff, supporting learning for over 1000 students. The school comprises the disciplines of chemistry, agriculture and food, and ecology. We are an ambitious, multi-disciplinary and industry-focused team that seek to equip our students and graduates with the skills they need to make tomorrow better. Academics from different disciplines work together to perform high-quality teaching and support each other in achieving at the highest possible levels in all aspects of academic life.

For more information, please visit:
https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/learning-teaching/science-engineering/school-of-molecular-life-sciences/

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:
At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines.

As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources.

As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically.

Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
• Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary) subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Enterprise Agreement; personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days)
• Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).
• Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students)
• Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions
• On-campus medical centre
• Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link.

We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better.
To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/diversity-equity/gender-equity-and-inclusion/

About Curtin University

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:

This 4-year fixed term, full-time ALC level role attracts a remuneration of $148,847 - $171,344 + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and a variety food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

• Up-to-date Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• A document addressing the selection criteria for the role (noted above)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Tuesday, 27 October 2026

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.

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